Now I am probably one of Ned's biggest critics. I do not think he is the greatest footballer (but we have many others too, who are also not the greatest) but mainly I do not think he is a very good captain, most especially when the chips are down. In order to convince myself I am wrong I thought I would start a Ned Thread (like the Ted thread, but with less poetry!!!). Today is a good day to start as there are two articles out there about Ned http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/nedum-onuoha-what-feels-changed-11813841 This article says how QPR are a better team, without the stars like Matty and Charlie, and indicates that Sandro and Caulker may move (Caulker going and Cole K...shurely shome mistake). Ned emphasises the team aspect The second article http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/...alism-leads-example-hasselbaink-hails-qpr-man States what a cool and gentlemanly captain Ned is , who leads by example. This idea I can get more, as I have also thought of Ned as a very honest player...so perhaps his honesty and leading from the front is something I should recognise more than the shouty, in your face captains we have had (Clint, Joey, Shaun). Scoring goals also helps I am trying to convince myself, and perhaps my feelings are beginning to shift
Depends what we are aiming for. If promotion is the target he's not the right leader, he just doesn't have that extra you need to inspire as well as being a bit suspect as a defender anyway. If surviving in mid-table is the plan, he'll do but he isn't my idea of a leader. I'd prefer someone like Bidwell who showed his qualities at Brentford...
Ok I'm coming out, I am a Ned fan, don't understand all the nedatives (hehe) he gets, ok no tree puller but a honest footballer who try's, I'd have that type any day. I also wear a dress on Friday nights.
Nice bloke, but an average player and not exactly inspirational as captain. He seems to have got the job through length of service rather than suitability. I'd sooner have Hall.
Come on you lot...the whole idea is to convince me I am wrong...not to back up my preconceived ideas..
As official captain he projects a good image for the club. You don't need an armband to be a leader on the pitch. Captain in soccer (nod to Swords) is not an important role compared to cricket or rugby. Happy with him as captain (less so as a player, but beggars can't be choosers), leave the shouting to Bidwell and Polter. Would be good to have one in midfield. Perhaps Henry is quietly talking and directing all the time, thus partially explaining the mystery of his permanent selection.
The message from JFH is very clear. He both rates him as a player and as a Captain. I don't think that these are Machiavellian tactics by JFH and that he really intends to sell him in the next days. So, it seems that Ned will play a leading role in 1st team and will continue as Captain. Q.E.D.
This is an open discussion...where I say "Sooper, that is an excellent point that I had not considered, you have certainly made me think, and your wisdom, has helped me change my opinion...thank you ...oh mighty thinker"
According to the commentator on the wireless on Saturday, it was Henry who was chatty and cajoling and directing players to their positions. As for Ned I don't think he's a captain. As a player I think the Championship is just about his level. He goes to bits when he plays in the Prem. He looks more comfortable and confident when playing in the SBC.
I CANT BELIEVE HOW THERES NO LOVE FOR THIS GUY I REALLY RATE HIM AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM PLAY AS A STRIKER IF YOU TAKLE AWAY THE PENALTIES THAT CHERY AND SEB HAVE SCORED THEN NED IS OUR LEADING SCORER HE HAS THE STRENGTH TO PLAY UP FRONT,I REALLY DONT SEE WHY NOT GIVE HIM A TRY
He currently has our best goal scoring record for a defender (and "possibly" one of the best in the League)! At this rate he might even notch up to 20 goals for the full season. ....correction, make it 30 goals if we include the own goals!
Average to good centre half in the championship, poor and ineffective right back. Technically all over the place but obviously very good physically. Never a captain in a million years for me, I like my captains to be leaders on the pitch as well as off it, and Ned is simply too quiet and not inspiring enough. Having said that, I think he's currently had a very good start to the season, performance wise. Long may that continue
Maybe Ned is what's known as "The Strong Silent Type" preferring actions to speak louder than words........ Didn't he say pre season that he doesn't go in for ranting and raving unlike some of his predecessors and prefers to have a quiet word........seems to have the respect of the rest of the squad and it does make life easier if others are vocal and take a lead encouraging colleagues.........always need to have 2 or 3 leaders in the side........ Plus he's what 2nd highest goalscorer so far........leading from the front.......
I think he has more ability than many give him credit for. Unfortunately, he seems to lose concentration far too regularly. Strong and quick and plenty good enough for this division imo.
I'm a fan. Is happy to throw himself in the way and is good at covering and recovering. Seems to thrive in a settled CB pairing and has been the legs for the likes of Hill and Nelsen. Also seemed to be forming a good partnership with Hall until he was moved out to right back last season. I don't even mind him at full back although he's not as natural a player there but I do think he carries the ball forward well if there's a gap left open. As Col says, the occasional lapses are a down side but he doesn't have many other negatives. Like Polter, I think he gets more stick than most (and than either deserve) because he doesn't look as elegant as others.